About Nassau County
Nassau County, Florida is located in the northeastern corner of the state, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Georgia to the north, Duval County to the south, and the St. Marys River forming much of its northern boundary. Nassau County Seat is Fernandina Beach, a historic coastal city known for its Victorian-era architecture and shrimp boat fleet. Nassau County was established in 1824 and named after the Duchy of Nassau in Germany. Nassau County includes approximately 726 square miles, with a population estimated at around 94,000 residents as of recent census data.
Major landmarks include Amelia Island, Fort Clinch State Park, the Amelia Island Lighthouse (Florida's oldest standing lighthouse), and the historic downtown district of Fernandina Beach with its Centre Street shopping area. Nassau County is characterized by barrier islands, salt marshes, maritime forests, and the Intracoastal Waterway. Nassau County Clerk of Court is located at 76347 Veterans Way, Yulee, FL 32097, serving as the official record keeper for court documents, official records, and marriage licenses.
Nassau County Property Appraiser maintains offices at 96135 the local community Place, Suite 5, Yulee, FL 32097, responsible for property valuations and tax assessments. Nassau County Tax Collector operates from 96103 Pages Dairy Road, Yulee, FL 32097. What makes Nassau County unique is its blend of coastal tourism, working waterfront heritage, and rapid suburban growth as part of the greater Jacksonville metropolitan area, while maintaining a distinct small-town character and significant natural areas.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Nassau County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in Nassau County. It patrols the unincorporated areas, manages Nassau County Detention Facility, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is known for its community engagement programs and specialized divisions such as the narcotics unit and K-9 team. The Sheriff's Office also collaborates with local, state, and federal agencies to enhance public safety and crime prevention efforts throughout Nassau County.
Police Departments
In addition to Nassau County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Nassau County is provided by municipal police departments, including the Fernandina Beach Police Department and the Callahan Police Department. These agencies have jurisdiction within their respective city limits and work in coordination with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and public safety initiatives. The collaboration ensures full coverage and efficient response to incidents across Nassau County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Nassau County Sheriff's Office (NCSO), led by Sheriff Bill Leeper, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas and provides countywide services including patrol, investigations, and detention operations. The Sheriff's Office is headquartered at 77151 Citizens Circle, Yulee, FL 32097, and can be reached for The main website is nassauso.com where residents can access non-emergency services and information. Nassau County Detention Facility, located at the same address as the Sheriff's Office, houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates.
- Inmate lookup is available through Nassau County Sheriff's Office website via their online inmate roster, which provides current booking information, charges, bond amounts, and booking photos (mugshots).
- Written requests can be submitted in person, by mail, or via email to the agency's records division.
- Booking photographs (mugshots) are generally available through the Sheriff's online inmate search system and are considered public records upon booking.
- Response times for records requests typically range from immediate to several business days depending on the complexity and volume of the request.
- Fees may apply for copying and research time exceeding 15 minutes, as permitted under Florida Statutes Section 119.07.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Nassau County include felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and sex offender registry information. Nassau County Sheriff's Office and the local police departments maintain these records. Background checks can be conducted through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which provides statewide criminal history information. The Florida Bureau of Investigation also offers resources for residents seeking full background checks and criminal record information.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Nassau County are maintained by Nassau County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and personal information of the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records through the Sheriff's Office, either in person or via written requests. Under the Florida Sunshine Law, arrest records are generally considered public information, though certain details may be redacted to protect privacy or ongoing investigations.
Jail & Inmate Records
Nassau County Detention Facility is the primary jail facility in Nassau County. It handles the booking process for people arrested within Nassau County, where they are photographed, fingerprinted, and processed. Inmate lookup services are available online, allowing the public to search for current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, typically requiring visitors to schedule appointments in advance and adhere to security protocols. The bond and bail process follows Florida state guidelines, allowing for the release of detainees pending trial upon posting the required amount.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Nassau County are taken and retained by Nassau County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by request. Florida does not have specific laws mandating the removal of mugshots from public records, though individuals may petition for removal under certain circumstances, such as expungement or sealing of records.
Courts & Case Records
Nassau County is served by the Fourth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida, which also serves Duval and Clay Counties. Nassau County Courthouse is located at 76347 Veterans Way, Yulee, FL 32097, and handles felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $30,000, family law matters including divorce and custody, probate proceedings, and juvenile matters. The Circuit Court can be reached for Nassau County Court, also housed in the same facility, handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil disputes up to $30,000, traffic violations, and small claims cases up to $8,000. Nassau County Clerk of Court, John A.
- Crawford, maintains all court records and provides public access to case information.
- Online searches are generally free for basic case information, though certified copies require fees.
- Certified copies of court documents cost $2.00 for the first page and $0.15 for each additional page, plus any applicable service fees.
Court records can be searched online through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal and Nassau County Clerk's official website at nassauclerk.com, where users can access civil, criminal, traffic, and family case dockets. Public access to court records in Florida is governed by Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420 and Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution, which mandate public access to judicial proceedings and records with specific exemptions for confidential information such as social security numbers, financial account numbers, and certain family law matters involving minors. The Clerk's office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding county holidays.
In-person record searches can be conducted at the courthouse using public access terminals.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Nassau County are maintained by Nassau County Clerk of Court's Official Records Division at 76347 Veterans Way, Yulee, FL 32097, phone. The Clerk is the official recorder of deeds, mortgages, liens, judgments, easements, right-of-way documents, plat maps, military discharges (DD-214s), and other instruments affecting real property. All recorded documents are indexed and available for public inspection under Florida Statutes Chapter 28.
- Certified copies cost $2.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page when requested in person or by mail.
- Recording fees for new documents are $10.00 for the first page and $8.50 for each additional page.
- The Property Appraiser provides a free online Property Search tool with GIS mapping capabilities, allowing users to search by owner name, address, parcel ID, or map location.
Nassau County Clerk provides a free online Official Records Search through their website at nassauclerk.com, allowing users to search by name, document type, book and page, or instrument number dating back to the earliest recorded documents. Documents can be viewed and printed at no charge through the online system. Property tax information and assessment records are maintained separately by Nassau County Property Appraiser's Office at 96135 Nassau Place, Suite 5, Yulee, FL 32097, phone, with a full website at nassauflpa.com.
The database includes property characteristics, ownership history, assessed values, exemptions, sales history, aerial photography, and tax information. Nassau County Tax Collector, John Drew, maintains tax payment records and delinquency information at taxcollectornassaufl.com.
Vital Records
Vital records for Nassau County, Florida are maintained by both county and state agencies depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates that occurred in Nassau County are filed with the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, as Florida operates a state-based vital records system. Birth certificates can be requested from the Florida Department of Health in Nassau County office or from the state Bureau of Vital Statistics, P.O. Box 210, Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042.
- The fee for a certified birth certificate is $9.00 for the first copy and $4.00 for each additional copy of the same record ordered simultaneously.
- Death certificates cost the same amount.
- Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks for mail requests, or immediate for in-person requests if the record is readily available.
- Online ordering is available through the Florida Department of Health's VitalChek service at floridahealth.gov, though additional service fees apply (typically $5.50-$19.50 depending on delivery method).
- Requesters must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record as required by Florida Statutes Section 382.008 and 382.025.
Eligible requesters include the registrant, parents, legal guardians, and legal representatives. Marriage licenses are issued by Nassau County Clerk of Court at 76347 Veterans Way, Yulee, FL 32097, phone. The marriage license fee is $93.50, reduced to $30.00 for couples who complete a premarital preparation course.
There is a three-day waiting period unless waived by completing the course. Marriage records and divorce decrees (final judgments of dissolution) are also maintained by the Clerk of Court and are public records accessible through the court records system. Vital records are governed by Chapter 382, Florida Statutes (Vital Statistics).
Business & Licensing
Business records and licensing in Nassau County are managed through multiple agencies depending on the business type and activity. Nassau County Clerk of Court maintains fictitious name registrations (DBA - Doing Business As) at 76347 Veterans Way, Yulee, FL 32097. Fictitious name registrations are required under Florida Statutes Section 865.09 for people or entities conducting business under a name other than their legal name. The registration fee is $50.00 and must be renewed every five years. These records are searchable through the Clerk's Official Records database at nassauclerk.com.
- The Sunbiz system provides information on corporate officers, registered agents, annual reports, and business status.
- Most businesses operating in Nassau County must obtain a local business tax receipt, with fees varying based on business type and classification.
- Permit records and applications can be accessed through Nassau County website at nassaufl.com.
- The Amelia Island-Fernandina Beach-Yulee Chamber of Commerce, located at 961687 Gateway Boulevard, Suite 101G, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034, provides business resources and networking at aifbychamber.com.
For formal business entity formation (corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships), filings are made with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, and can be searched free of charge at sunbiz.org, Florida's full business entity database. Local business tax receipts (formerly called occupational licenses) are administered by Nassau County Tax Collector's Office at 96103 Pages Dairy Road, Yulee, FL 32097, phone, website taxcollectornassaufl.com. Building permits, zoning approvals, and land development permits are handled by Nassau County Building Department and Planning & Economic Opportunity Department, located at 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097.
Professional and occupational licenses (contractors, health practitioners, real estate agents) are regulated by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Nassau County, Florida are administered by Nassau County Supervisor of Elections, Marty Bishop, with offices located at 96135 Nassau Place, Suite 3, Yulee, FL 32097. The office can be reached, and the official website is nasvote.com, providing full voter information, sample ballots, election results, and precinct maps.
- The deadline to register or update registration is 29 days before any election.
- Vote-by-mail ballots (absentee ballots) can be requested through the Supervisor of Elections website, by phone, in writing, or in person.
- Requests are valid through the end of the calendar year for the second ensuing general election.
- Citizens can request copies of election records, observe ballot processing and canvassing, and attend public meetings of the County Canvassing Board.
Voter registration in Nassau County can be completed online through the Florida Division of Elections at RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov, in person at the Supervisor of Elections office, at any Florida driver license office, or by mailing a completed Florida Voter Registration Application. Florida law requires voters to be U.S. Citizens, Florida residents, at least 18 years old by election day, and not adjudicated mentally incapacitated or convicted of a felony without rights restored.
To find your specific polling place in Nassau County, voters can use the precinct finder tool at nasvote.com or contact the Supervisor of Elections office. Early voting is typically offered at multiple locations across Nassau County for approximately two weeks before each election, including weekends. Election records that are public under Florida law include voter registration lists (with exemptions for certain confidential information such as social security numbers and signatures), campaign finance reports filed with Nassau County or state, candidate qualifying documents, precinct-level election results, and ballot images.
Nassau County typically experiences higher voter turnout than the state average; in the November 2024 general election, Nassau County reported approximately 76-78% turnout of registered voters, reflecting strong civic engagement in this politically active county. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races, a U.S.
Senate seat, Florida gubernatorial race, Florida Cabinet positions, state legislative seats, and various county offices including constitutional officers. Voted ballots must be received by the Supervisor of Elections office by 7:00 PM on Election Day. Florida Statutes Chapter 97 (Voter Registration), Chapter 100 (Voting and Elections), and Chapter 101 (Voting Methods and Procedures) govern election transparency and public access.
The Supervisor of Elections office maintains detailed precinct-level results for all elections, accessible through their website archive.
Economy & Demographics
Nassau County's economy is diverse, blending tourism, maritime industries, logistics, manufacturing, and residential development. Nassau County's strategic location adjacent to Jacksonville and Interstate 95, combined with deepwater port access, makes it attractive for distribution and manufacturing operations.
Major employers include Rayonier Advanced Materials, a specialty cellulose manufacturer with significant operations in Fernandina Beach; Smurfit Kappa (formerly RockTenn), a paper and packaging company; Nassau County School District; Baptist Medical Center Nassau; and various retail and hospitality employers serving Amelia Island's strong tourism sector. The median household income in Nassau County is approximately $72,000-$75,000, notably higher than the Florida state average, reflecting Nassau County's growing bedroom community status for Jacksonville professionals. Tourism is a key part of the local economy, centered on Amelia Island's beaches, historic district, golf resorts including the Omni Amelia Island Resort and Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island, and eco-tourism attractions.
The Port of Fernandina, while smaller than JAXPORT, handles bulk cargo and supports maritime-related employment. Agriculture, particularly timber production and some row crops, remains economically significant in western Nassau County. The unemployment rate typically tracks slightly below the state average, ranging from 3.0% to 4.5% in recent years.
Economic development initiatives focus on attracting advanced manufacturing, logistics operations using proximity to Jacksonville's port and airport, and expanding Nassau County's retail and service sectors. The West Nassau County area, particularly around Yulee and Callahan, has experienced significant residential and commercial growth, with new shopping centers and housing developments transforming formerly rural areas. Nassau County has invested in infrastructure improvements including road widening projects along A1A and US 17 to accommodate growth.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online | Property: Yes: Free Search with GIS | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Roster | Vital Records: Limited: State System, Limited County Access | Business: Yes: Online (Clerk & State) | Elections: Yes: Online | Overall Score: 9/10, Nassau County provides excellent digital access to nearly all public records with user-friendly search portals and online databases.
Official Government Resources
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Cities & Towns in Nassau County
Explore public records for 5 cities and communities in Nassau County, Florida.